US-Based Iraq Base and Green Zone Attacked... Soleimani Mourners March in Streets

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Amid the death of Qassem Soleimani, the 'Iranian military power broker' and commander of the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, due to a U.S. airstrike, rocket attacks targeted the Al-Balad Airbase in northern Baghdad and the Green Zone, where the U.S. Embassy is located, on the afternoon of the 4th (local time), during the mourning period. The Al-Balad base, about 80 km north of Baghdad, is home to U.S. troops.

According to AP News and others, three rockets landed at the Al-Balad base, injuring several Iraqi soldiers and civilians. Mortar shells aimed at the Green Zone exploded in a park about 1 km from the U.S. Embassy. The Iraqi military stated that there were no fatalities from this attack.

Attacks on U.S. bases or the Green Zone have occurred repeatedly recently, but the exact perpetrators have not been identified. However, the U.S. believes that Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iraqi pro-Iranian Shia militia under Iran's direction, is responsible for the attacks.

Immediately after this attack, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) stated, "The safety of our personnel in Iraq is paramount. We will take all possible precautionary measures," and temporarily suspended military training in Iraq citing safety concerns.

Since the death of Commander Soleimani on the 3rd, Kata'ib Hezbollah announced attacks on Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops on the same day. Through Lebanon's Al Mayadeen broadcast, they warned, "Iraqi military and police brothers must stay at least 1000 meters away from U.S. bases starting from 5 p.m. on the 5th."

Abu Ali Al-Askari, a senior official of the organization, also emphasized on his Twitter, "Iraqi military and police commanders must ensure their forces follow safety protocols so they do not become human shields for the (U.S.) troops." This effectively signaled an impending attack on U.S. bases in Iraq.

On the same day in Baghdad, large-scale funerals were held for General Soleimani and Deputy Commander Al-Muhandis. Thousands took to the streets chanting slogans such as "Death to America" as they marched. The Iraqi Prime Minister declared a three-day national mourning period from the 4th to the 6th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.